Taken from the Dedication of the Building Booklet
September 14, 1969

As you enter the sanctuary your attention is drawn tot he art glass in the north and south gables. These windows were drawn and completely executed by August Molder, artist in residence of Augsburg College, Minneapolis. Mr. Molder is a refugee from Estonia and has a bachelors and masters degree from the University of Tartu in Estonia. The theme, "Come Follow Me," predominates the north window, and "Go, Serve" the south. However, you may note an interwoven portrayal of the entire thought in each of the gables. The artist encourages you to interpret this artwork as it has most meaning to you. If your initial response is purely reaction to the beautiful colors, this too is symbolic, for the joyous, vibrant colors are an invitation to non-Christian as well as those already a part of the church, to the young, and also other ages. It further intensifies the Worship committee's desire that everything about the sanctuary expresses an invitation to come, to hear, to know the Gospel is the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.
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The north window (on your right as you stand facing the pulpit) reads from right ot left as we see the fishermen being called from their nets by Christ to become "Fishers for people" (Matt. 4:19) Matthew the tax collector sits before Christ and is called as one of the 12 disciples. (Matt. 9:9) The living water flows before this group who follow. "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give will never thrist. The water that I shall give will become a spring of water welling up to the eternal life." John 4:14) "Ho, everyone who thirsts, COME..." (Isaiah 55:1)

Note the ship in the center extending across several panels. This long time symbol is the people of God (the Church) as they sail the seas of life. Christ taught from a boat in the Sea of Galilee, was with his disciples whom you also see in this boat...or perhaps you are there, received, taught, guided.

The bold royal colors in front of the ship contain the first two Greek letters in "Christ."

The lighthouse at the left symbolizes Christ showing the way, guiding with His Light. "I am the Light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) "The true light which lights everyone who comes into the world." (John1:9) The hands above and below the lighthouse are beckoning, receiving, leading all who "Come."

Across the lower portion of the window are many fish. Early Christians, particularly those during the time of persecution, used this as a sign of their faith in Christ. The Greek word for fish, "Ichthus" was used as an acrostic for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.

The doves hover overhead. We are reminded of Our Lord's Baptism. The Holy Spirit goes out with power and peace.

At the apex of the window curved lines with joyful colors remind us of the high reward of eternal life given those who would "Come, Follow Me." God has put the passion for eternity in human hearts and then given to them a thirst which only eternity can satisfy. "I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die..." (John 11:25) "I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

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Turning to the south window, we have the theme of "Go, Serve." Christ is the servant Lord. All of life is seen as being under the Lordship of Christ.

To the left of center is a large cross. Repeatedly, Jesus said, "Let those who would come after me deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me." To the right of this cross is the "River of Life" with many people reaching up to receive from it. The "Tree of Life" is seen in the upper right portion of the window. The fruit is accessible to everyone. Its rich variety is offered us in life and it bears on and on in constant productivity. (Revelation 22:1-2)

In the second row and the panel to the right of center is an example of the servant Lord. When the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus took a pitcher of water, a basin and towel and washed their feet. Jesus said, "It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:26-28) "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (John 12:14-15)

As we think of Christ being the Lord of all of life we think of him as Lord of each one's occupation. In the lower right the healing arts and occupations of social concerns are depicted even as Christ when asked about his being the Messiah responded,..." the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to." (Luke 7:22) Jesus also said..."the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will one do, because I go to the Father." (John 14:12)

Rivers have a way of flowing through history Just above the healing scene we see the St. Croix River with many logs afloat. As Stillwater has long been known for its lumbering industry so today a great many still work with wood in diverse ways as the Lord creatively leads them. Added hours of leisure find the river beckoning. The Lord provides and rules over these hours as well.

Above this is a painter's palette and a harp representing the visual and performing arts. God expects full use of the abilities given us. "Moreover it is required in stewards, that they be found faithful." (KJV 1 Cor. 4:2)

Opporist this is the sumbol of the atom to represent the scientific space age with all of the related occupations. "Even these are under the Lordship of Christ...the God whose vastness bursts the bonds of imagination is the God whose powers put all others powers into minuteness. The God of unmatched magnitude is as able as he is boundless. God is bigger than any circumstance, more convincing than any quandary. He towers over our tallest question marks. God is infinite and infinitely able. God is Lord of the rambling reaches of history, so nothing can catch him by surprise. God is the Master of the moment...all these things God is vast, great and able--not to subdue humans but to inspire and empower us. He longs to share what he is and has." (Philip R. Magee)